Tuesday, April 11, 2017

A Night Out in Quintessential Nashville: Dinner, Drinks, and the Grand Ole Opry

Whether you're a local and haven't been out to what one might call the old-school destinations in awhile, or, you're visiting for the first time -- I wanted to create an evening itinerary of some of my favorite (pre-"New Nashville") spots for an ideal night out on the town.

Dinner

image: brownsdiner.com

Rotiers
Don't have time to make a rezzie and want a solid place to grab a bite? Rotiers is a third-generation family owned Nashville institution, offering one of the best burgers (get one on French bread) and milkshakes in the city.

Brown's Diner
Similar to Rotiers, yet so completey different. Founded in 1927 in an old trolly car turned restaurant, this greasy spoon offers pitchers of Budweiser and delicious diner-style burgers.

Samurai Sushi
The youngest of the list and one of the best sushi joints in town, Samurai has been slinging rolls for over a decade.

Showtime

The Opry is the longest-running radio show in the world, and a visit to the show itself perhaps the most quintessential of Nashville experiences. Now, you can snag a VIP backstage tour + hang with the stars. A guide will take you backstage just before showtime, giving you the rundown, letting you check out the dressing rooms, and even take you on stage when the red curtain rises for the first performance of the evening. Y'all, it is so fun. As someone who grew up watching the Opry with my family, every time I step backstage it's incredibly special, and if you've never been it's an absolute must.

Here's a a few photos from my last visit, which happened to be the fabulous Carrie Underwood's 100th Opry show:

The artist's backstage entrance

Every Opry member has their own mailbox // you can write any of them (DOLLY!)

A look inside one of the many themed dressing rooms.

Another dressing room.

The oh-so-fabulous Carrie Underwood taking the stage.

Carrie finding out she's being honored for her 100th Opry performance.

The legendary Connie Smith, y'all.

Carrie closing out the show.

Opry by night.

Wind Down (or up) on the East Side

A nightcap is a necessity, and I'm ending up at the 5 Spot for even more (local) live music. A dive-ish bar of sorts, yet attracting the likes of Lady Gaga and Nashville music scene's best. Party the night away, and if you're feeling adventurous -- head down the street to Dino's for a late night snack and nightcap.